It’s easy to get caught up and have things pile to the point that they never get done!

Lately, I’ve been in a rut. Still feeling the harsh effects of a close friend’s suicide, finding clarity in my psoriasis, balancing mental health, and learning to grow from the mistakes I made over the last quarter.

There had been quite a few things I’d put off that I just completed today:

Fill out in-take paperwork for new doctor

Figure out housing for next semester

Check bank account + pay rent

I don’t know if you guys experience this, but I get a crippling anxiety every first of the month. November was not my month for money and I saw a number in my account that I’d never seen before, sending me into a quick downward spiral and fear about future finances and paying rent. Luckily, before I reached that number, my rent was processed and I could take a breath. For next semester, I knew I had to sort out my housing. My rent is just too unbearable to keep paying without any assistance, and I’ve found that I just can’t do it anymore. This put a huge damper on my November, as I felt I wasn’t in control of my finances. Money was just flying from my hands, as I paid rent, tried to buy birthday gifts, and medication for my psoriasis. This prompted a proper breakdown over the weekend, and I knew some changes had to be made. I won’t reveal my plan, but things are slowly starting to fall into place. November was not looking to bright.

Besides those three things, I also applied to be a contributor to an online women’s magazine, and I’m extremely excited to see where that takes me. Once my application becomes approved, I will share my first article with you all. Along with that, I also signed up to be a contributor for ANOTHER online community, and I’m just waiting to hear approval from them. I’d been retracting my application and almost resubmitting for about a year now. After writing/blogging for so long, I believe that it’s a career choice I want to make for my future. I’m optimistic for these two opportunities and the ones to come. I was recently nominated to enter a student contest after being chosen as one of the strongest in the photo department at SCAD, so…lots of waiting for the month of December. (I’ve also been putting off Blogmas as well, because of the fear it will be too intense. But I will worry when it comes!)

I’d like to thank Charlotte Underwood allowing me to create Blogmas posts for each day of her self-care advent calendar found here. This post was #18 on her list—do that thing you’ve been avoiding. I found her self-care advent to be so creative, and especially someone like me who has stress-induced psoriasis. It has really helped me slow down. I wanted to share my self-care journey, and also share these incredible ideas throughout the month of December as is it a time of not all holiday joy and hot chocolate for some!